Undaunted by Western political opposition and Africa's rebel militias, the private armies are expanding their portfolios
Private military companies are stronger than ever in Africa, six months after the political row over the relations between Sandline and British officials (AC Vol 39 No 11). Yet the controversy over these unregulated companies with official access continues to simmer in Britain. Several members of parliament believe that the independent inquiry, set up after the row over the Sandline security company’s role in reinstating President
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, left too many questions unanswered.
Some are particularly concerned that Sir Thomas Legg’s 160-page report in July overlooked what they consider the key role of Britain’s civil and military intelligence agencies in the Sandline affair.
On 3 November, Sandline director Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer is due before the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to answer questions about his company’s operations in Sierra Leone. Soon afterwards, Sir David Spedding, chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6), is to give evidence to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
A restless Gadaffi denounces Arab governments and looks for African friends
Hell hath no fury like a Libyan leader scorned. Having assiduously and unsuccessfully wooed Arab states during his 29 years in power, Colonel Moammar el Gadaffi is now courting Sub...
Arguments among rich countries are slowing progress on cutting Africa's debts
Africa’s hopes for more debt relief are caught between rich countries squabbling over who is to pay for the debt cuts and an increasingly militant international campaign to write o...
